According to the newly released Henley Passport Index, the Vietnamese passport ranks 90th, down three places from its previous position at 87.
Vietnam’s passport index continues to fall in the global rankings. Photo: Linh Huynh.
This shift reflects regional trends and adjustments in visa policies among Southeast Asian countries as they compete to attract international tourists amid changes in global travel dynamics.
The Henley Passport Index, established in 2005 by Henley & Partners, a global residence and citizenship advisory firm based in London, measures passport strength by the number of destinations passport holders can visit without a prior visa, updated quarterly.
In the latest update, the Vietnamese passport now allows visa-free access to 51 out of 227 global destinations, marking a slight decrease from the previous ranking in July, when Vietnamese passport holders had visa-free or visa-on-arrival access to 55 destinations.
Despite the drop, Vietnam’s passport still ranks above Laos (92nd) and Myanmar (93rd) within Southeast Asia.
Leading the global ranking is Singapore, whose passport remains the strongest worldwide, offering visa-free access to 195 destinations. Singapore’s top ranking reflects the country’s extensive diplomatic relations and strategic international agreements, granting its exceptional citizens global mobility and demonstrating Singapore’s significant influence on the world stage.
Following Singapore in the region is Malaysia, with visa-free access to 183 destinations, ranking second in Southeast Asia.
Brunei holds the third position in Southeast Asia, with access to 166 destinations without a visa. Thailand’s passport ranks fourth in Southeast Asia, allowing visa-free entry to 82 destinations—a position that reflects the country’s ongoing efforts to expand travel options for its citizens.
Countries in the Southeast Asian region are competing to attract tourists through visa policies, Vietnam needs more moves to increase its appeal. Photo: Linh Huynh.
Vietnam’s recent ranking shift underscores the competitive landscape of tourism and visa policy in Southeast Asia. Countries in the region have been actively working to enhance their visa-free policies to attract international tourists. Several Southeast Asian nations are implementing measures to draw visitors, revive tourism, and ease visa requirements.
Recently, Vietnam has expanded its list of visa-exempt countries to attract more foreign tourists. In 2023, Vietnam introduced a new e-visa policy, allowing tourists from numerous countries to apply online for a 90-day multiple-entry visa. This initiative has been welcomed by the tourism sector, positioning Vietnam as a competitive regional destination.
Likewise, Thailand has extended visa-free entry for certain nationalities to encourage longer stays. Malaysia and Singapore continue to leverage relaxed visa policies to attract high volumes of tourists worldwide, supporting economic growth and job creation in related sectors.
Despite Vietnam’s passport ranking declining, the country’s ongoing efforts to simplify visa issuance for visitors may eventually lead to stronger correspondence agreements and enhance global mobility for Vietnamese travelers.
At the lower end of the rankings, Afghanistan, Syria, Iraq, and Yemen have the world’s least powerful passports, often reflecting nations facing political instability, economic challenges, or strained diplomatic relations.
The Henley Passport Index serves as a valuable benchmark for governments, businesses, and travelers by providing insights into global travel freedom. Updated Quarterly, the index reflects changes in visa policies and international agreements.
For travelers and businesses in the tourism industry, these rankings provide essential insights into travel accessibility, considering decisions in destination marketing, investment, and international partnerships.
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Source: Vietnam Insider